John Harrison Hughes, Jr.

John Harrison Hughes, Jr., 93, departed his long, full life On October 20, 2024, in Slidell, LA. Born on February 27, 1931, John was predeceased by his parents, John, Sr., and Mildred Cahalan Hughes, and longtime friend, Jimmy Noble.

John is survived by his brother, George; niece, Sue Hughes Rowland; and nephew, Patrick (Jen). He also leaves behind his adopted family, Reid Noble, James, Jr., Cade Green Kohoutek (Chris), Mandi Noble, Trip Green (April), Wynn Green, Chris Noble, and goddaughter, Cole Noble Delhomme (Jeff), as well as numerous adopted grandchildren.

John attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Fortier, and Loyola. He graduated from Fortier at the age of 16 and attended Loyola while on the New Orleans Police Department, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in History. He was on the Dean’s List and was inducted into Cross Keys Honor/Service Fraternity.

John joined the Louisiana Army National Guard, honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant in 1960.

John’s law enforcement career is exemplary: from 1959 to 1994; from Patrolman to Captain; in Patrol, Records, Academy, Tactical Unit, Sixth District, Intelligence Division, Desk Sergeant, Public Information Office, Research and Planning, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Second District, and Vieux Carre District. He commanded Intelligence, Public Affairs, the Second and the Sixth Districts. He received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career. He received the Charles Dunbar Honorable Mention and Career Service Awards. He was tapped for many committees and community service boards. He was the Field Liaison Officer for NOPD and the New Orleans Fire Department. It seemed fitting that he lived next door to a Fire Station. Since he always appeared at fire scenes, he was affectionately accused of setting them.

One of John’s most challenging and successful commands was the opening of the Vieux Carre District in 1985, announced by the City Council in a resolution, “Whereas, the Council feels that it is a double stroke of good fortune to have Captain John Hughes named as Commander of this new district….”

The Council also recognized John’s personal talent as a connoisseur of fine dining: “Captain Hughes is also known as the Police Department’s pre-eminent gourmet, a calling that should be especially useful given the wealth of haute cuisine restaurants that he will have in this new district….”

John enjoyed travel by train and RV to places of interest all over the country. His adopted children were educated extensively with him.

Retiring as a Captain in 1994, John was honored by the men and women with whom he worked, whom he mentored, and whose respect he earned. These officers and firefighters benefitted from his knowledge and his ability to apply it appropriately.

John took a “retirement job” as Chief of Police at the Baptist Theological Seminary where he also made his mark.

Gratitude is extended to his many friends for support, lunches, and visits, particularly Elena Cox, Roma Kent, Danny Murchison, Kay Werner, Doug Robinson, and Cynthia Kogos. John also appreciated the staff at the Chateau de Notre Dame, Oak Park Village, Slidell Memorial Hospital, Greenbriar Community Care Center, and Notre Dame Hospice.

The services will be on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the mass at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Animal Rescue Organization of your choice.